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sertularian

sertularian

9.9
A small sea animal that lives in groups and looks like feathery branches
  • noun
  • /ˌsɜːrtjʊˈleɪriən/
  • Specialized
: sertularia
  • The diver discovered a beautiful sertularian colony clinging to the underside of the rock.

Examples

  • The aquarium exhibit features several species of sertularian hydroids on display.

  • Scientists studied the branching structure of the sertularian under the microscope.

  • Look at this sertularian!

  • The sertularian thrives in shallow waters.

  • The diver discovered a beautiful sertularian colony clinging to the underside of the rock.

  • The aquarium exhibit features several species of sertularian hydroids on display.

  • Scientists studied the branching structure of the sertularian under the microscope.

Synonyms

hydroid
vssertularian
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small sea animal made of many tiny tube-shaped animals living together

is more specific, naming those in a particular family with paired stalkless polyps
Sertularia
vssertularian
  • Specialized
9.9

A small sea animal that stays attached and forms feathery, plant-like colonies

is narrower, referring to an individual of that family with paired stalkless polyps

Surface Forms

sertularian singular
sertularians plural

Morphology

sertularian = Sertularia (opaque) = sertularia + ian

Formed by adding the suffix '-ian' to a Latin genus name (Sertularia) to create a specialist taxonomic noun; the term is unlikely to be transparently understood by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Sertularian comes from the Latin sertula, meaning 'garland' or 'wreath'. These tiny sea animals grow in feathery, branching colonies that look like small garlands, so the name helps you picture their shape.